Chelsea injury update: Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Liam Delap latest news and return dates

Chelsea’s winning streak came to an abrupt end at home to Sunderland — and manager Enzo Maresca has since revealed a number of fresh injury concerns within his squad.

Despite Enzo Fernández returning from a spell on the sidelines, the Blues are still battling multiple fitness issues, with Cole Palmer, Benoît Badiashile, and Dário Essugo all unavailable. The defeat also raised fresh questions about the workload being placed on Joao Pedro, who continues to play through discomfort.

Here’s the latest Chelsea injury news and return timeline ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Wolves.

Joao Pedro played 85 minutes against Sunderland and showed no visible discomfort — but Maresca confirmed post-match that the Brazilian has been managing a knock for several weeks.

“Joao has not been training every day because he’s managing a little bit from an injury,” Maresca said. “Mo [Caicedo] is the same, Enzo [Fernández] is exactly the same. We have four or five players who can’t work every day but try to make the effort to play the game.”

Pedro remains available for selection but is unlikely to feature in every match while he continues to manage his workload carefully.

Potential return date: Available (managing load)

Chelsea’s key creator Cole Palmer remains several weeks away from returning to action after suffering a groin injury. Initially, Maresca expected the England international to return shortly after the international break, but the recovery timeline has since been extended.

“I was wrong,” Maresca admitted. “Unfortunately, he needs to be out probably six more weeks. We just try to protect Cole as much as we can… the medical staff aren’t magicians. Hopefully, six weeks are enough.”

Palmer has now missed a full month of action and is targeting a return in December, with the club confirming no surgery is required.

Potential return date: December 2025

After two months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Liam Delap is close to making his return. The young striker rejoined full team training late last week and could feature in the midweek trip to Wolves.

“Liam took part in the session yesterday with the team for the first time,” Maresca revealed. “He’s not going to be available for Fulham, but probably for the next match.”

Potential return date: Wolves (A) – Wednesday, October 29, 2025

After working his way back into the first-team fold, Benoît Badiashile has once again been struck down by injury. The French defender suffered a muscle problem in early October and is set for another lengthy spell out.

“Benoît will be out until December,” Maresca confirmed. “He was doing fantastic, showing what he can bring, and we’re going to wait for him.”

Potential return date: December 2025

Young midfielder Dário Essugo suffered a thigh injury while on duty with Portugal Under-21s in September and required surgery shortly after. Chelsea expect the 19-year-old to return in the new year.

Potential return date: January 2026

Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee after sustaining an ACL injury during pre-season training in August. The injury has ruled him out for most of the campaign and likely England’s Euro 2026 preparations.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

Chelsea’s medical room is starting to feel overcrowded again. Maresca’s system demands high-intensity pressing and structured possession, which may explain the recurring soft-tissue injuries in the squad.

While Liam Delap’s imminent return offers a timely attacking boost, the long-term absences of Palmer and Badiashilecontinue to stretch the depth of a team already struggling for rhythm. Joao Pedro’s ongoing knock management will be one to watch closely as the winter schedule ramps up.

Maresca remains optimistic, but until Chelsea regain full attacking firepower, inconsistency may remain the theme of their season.

Chelsea travel to Wolves on Wednesday night before facing Tottenham at the weekend. Maresca is hopeful of a gradual return of key players as the Blues aim to climb back up the Premier League table.

👉 Chelsea’s injury list grows as Maresca confirms new setbacks for Palmer and Badiashile — but Delap nears return.